Minnesota Today

Gov. Tim Walz is prepared to call Minnesota lawmakers into a special session that would begin Monday. 

The first special session this summer ended without much to show for it. Disagreements over changes to policing and a package of state-financed construction projects left both undone.

This is an MPR News evening update for Tuesday July 7, 2020. Hosted by Britta Greene.

Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

Motorists and police will have new guidance that may help avoid deadly shootings like the one that killed Philando Castile four years ago Monday.

His mother, Valerie Castile pushed for the changes after her son was fatally shot by a St. Anthony police officer during a traffic stop in a St. Paul suburb seconds after he told the officer he had a firearm in his vehicle.

Castile said the update to the Minnesota Driver’s Manual could save lives.

This is an MPR News morning update for Tuesday July 7, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer.

Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

A federal judge on Monday sided with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and ordered the Dakota Access pipeline to shut down until more environmental review is done.

U.S. District Judge James Boasberg said in April that the pipeline, which has been in operation three years, remains “highly controversial” under federal environmental law, and a more extensive review is necessary than the environmental assessment that was done. In a 24-page order Monday, Boasberg wrote that he was “mindful of the disruption such a shutdown will cause,” but said he had concluded that the pipeline must be shut down within 30 days and drained of oil while the environmental review happens. 

This is an MPR News evening update for Monday July 6, 2020. Hosted by Britta Greene.

Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

State Sen. Scott Jensen, R-Chaska, said Sunday that he is under investigation by the Minnesota State Board of Medical Practice for statements he has made about the pandemic. He posted a statement on Facebook over the weekend saying he’s being investigated for spreading misinformation about the COVID-19 death toll and providing “reckless advice” by comparing the virus with the flu. He said he feels he’s being targeted.

This is an MPR News morning update for Monday, July 6, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer.

Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

Thousands of people marched through downtown Minneapolis on Saturday. The largely silent march dubbed "Black Fourth" aimed to highlight the disconnect between the Declaration of Independence and slavery. MPR News update for July 5, 2020. Hosted by Emily Bright. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

There are many rallies, marches and other events taking place around the Twin Cities on the Fourth of July, calling for an end to systemic racism in the criminal justice system, and calling for justice for George Floyd. MPR News update for July 4, 2020. Hosted by Emily Bright. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

The newest counts come amid worry over new outbreaks if people ease up on safety measures over the July Fourth holiday weekend.

Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm and others are imploring groups gathering over the Fourth of July to meet outdoors instead of inside and to wear masks and social distance even when outside.

This is an MPR News update for Friday, July 3, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer.

Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

State officials said Thursday that 31 Minnesota financial institutions have committed themselves to provide additional mortgage-relief options to homeowners facing financial hardship caused by the coronavirus pandemic who don't have federally backed mortgages.

This is an MPR News evening update for Thursday, July 2, 2020. Hosted by Britta Greene.

Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

At least 47 cases of COVID-19 have now been linked to the Pickled Loon in St. Cloud, which has closed temporarily as a result. MPR News morning update for June 2, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer.

Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

Thirteen Minnesota children have been found to have a worrisome inflammatory condition believed to be related to COVID-19, state officials said Wednesday.

Multi-system inflammatory syndrome was confirmed in the children, who developed symptoms between mid-May and mid-June; their average age was 5, and most had no prior medical problems, Dr. Ruth Lynfield, the state’s epidemiologist, told reporters.

This is an MPR News evening update for Wednesday, July 1, 2020. Hosted by Britta Greene.

Our theme music is by Gary Meister.